Marcellus officials to discuss old library tonight

Marcellus village and town officials will meet tonight to discuss Mayor Mike Plochocki's assertions that the old library building on Slocombe Avenue could be converted into a Town Hall for a fraction of what the town had been willing to spend on a renovation and addition to the current facility.

The meeting is set for 7 p.m. tonight, Thursday April 9 at Town Hall, 24 E. Main St.

Marcellus Town Supervisor Dan Ross and the Town Board are expected to question Plochocki on the validity of his claims that preliminary architectural drawings determined the old library building would offer adequate space and could be renovated to meet the town's needs for around $750,000.

Plochocki earlier this month announced he had presented these findings to town officials twice before the board put to referendum a $3.2 million plan for remodeling and adding onto the current Town Hall. The referendum was defeated by the public March 25.

After the plan was rejected by voters, Plochocki verified rumors that he had approached Lake Architectural to assess the old library and find whether it would be sufficient to meet the town's needs.

But Town Councilors Bernie Montgomery, Tom Lathrop and Don Sherman said the plan was news to them, and that the village had never approached them with the idea.

Ross said he had heard from Plochocki on the topic, but was against the idea, citing inadequate square footage and major renovations needed to the building.

The meeting tonight is open to the public. The old library building is the only topic on the agenda.